You've worked hard to build your yarn stash, and the last thing you want is to toss a skein in the washing machine and pull out a felted, shrunken mess. It's a fear every crafter knows well — but here's the good news: washing yarn in the washing machine is absolutely possible, and when done correctly, your yarn will come out just as soft and beautiful as before.
Whether you're washing a new skein before a project or freshening up leftover yarn, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to do it safely.
Can You Machine Wash Yarn?
The short answer is yes — but not all yarn is created equal. Some fibers are tough and forgiving, while others demand a little more care. The key is understanding what your yarn is made of before it goes anywhere near water.
The golden rule? Always check the yarn label first. The care symbols on the label are your best guide, and ignoring them is where most yarn disasters begin.
Know Your Yarn Fiber First
Different fibers react very differently to heat, agitation, and moisture. Here's a quick breakdown:
Acrylic Yarn Acrylic is the most forgiving fiber you'll work with. It's synthetic, durable, and typically machine-washable on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Most acrylic yarns can even handle a low-heat dryer cycle, but always verify on the label.
Cotton and Linen Yarn Natural plant-based fibers like cotton and linen are generally machine-safe. They can handle slightly warmer water than wool, but cold is still the safest choice. These fibers may shrink slightly with heat, so avoid hot water.
Wool and Animal Fibers This is where you need to be most careful. Wool, alpaca, mohair, and cashmere are prone to felting — an irreversible process where heat and agitation cause the fibers to lock together and shrink. Unless the label specifically says "superwash wool" or "machine washable," treat these fibers with extreme caution. Cold water and the gentlest possible cycle are non-negotiable.
Blended Yarns When a yarn is a blend of multiple fibers, always follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber in the mix. A 70% acrylic, 30% wool blend should be treated like wool.
Hand-Dyed Yarn Hand-dyed skeins are beautiful but can be unpredictable in the wash. The dye may not be fully set, which means color bleeding is a real risk. Always wash hand-dyed yarn in cold water, alone, and never with other items.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather these supplies:
- A mesh laundry bag — This is non-negotiable. It keeps your yarn contained, prevents tangling, and reduces agitation during the wash cycle.
- A mild, gentle detergent — Look for a detergent free of harsh enzymes and brighteners. Wool wash or a delicate fabric detergent works best.
- A washing machine with a gentle or delicate cycle setting.
- A clean dry towel for drying.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash Yarn in the Washing Machine
Step 1: Prepare Your Yarn
If your yarn is in a ball, loosely wind it into a skein shape and tie it in two or three places with a piece of scrap yarn. This prevents it from tangling in the machine. If it's already in a skein, just secure it with a loose tie.
Step 2: Place It in a Mesh Laundry Bag
Pop the yarn into a mesh laundry bag and zip or tie it closed. If you're washing multiple skeins, give each one its own bag or at least make sure they're not crammed tightly together.
Step 3: Choose the Right Settings
Set your washing machine to the delicate or gentle cycle and select cold water. Cold water is your safest option across almost all fiber types. Avoid any heavy-duty or normal cycle settings — the agitation is too intense.
Step 4: Use a Small Amount of Detergent
Add a small amount of your gentle detergent — less than you'd use for a regular load. Too much detergent can leave residue in the fibers and require extra rinsing.
Step 5: Minimize the Spin Cycle
If your machine allows you to reduce or skip the spin cycle, do it. High-speed spinning can distort yarn and cause unnecessary stress on the fibers. If you can't avoid it, use the lowest spin speed available.
Step 6: Remove Promptly
As soon as the cycle finishes, take your yarn out. Leaving wet yarn sitting in the machine can cause it to develop a musty smell or lose its shape.
Step 7: Gently Reshape
Press the yarn gently between your hands to remove excess water — do not wring or twist it. Lay it on a clean dry towel and roll the towel up to absorb more moisture.
Step 8: Lay Flat to Dry
Unroll the towel and transfer your yarn to a flat drying surface, like a drying rack or a clean towel on the floor. Reshape it gently and leave it to air dry completely before storing or using it. Never hang wet yarn — the weight of the water will stretch the fibers out of shape.
What NOT to Do
Avoid these common mistakes that can ruin your yarn:
- Don't use hot water. Heat is the enemy of most natural fibers and will cause felting, shrinking, or distortion.
- Don't use regular detergent with enzymes. Enzymes break down protein-based fibers like wool, silk, and alpaca.
- Don't put yarn in the dryer unless the label explicitly says it's dryer-safe. Even then, use the lowest heat setting.
- Don't wring or twist wet yarn. This damages the fiber structure and causes stretching.
- Don't wash hand-dyed skeins with other items. Color bleeding can stain other yarn or fabric beyond recovery.
- Don't rush the drying process. Impatience leads to mildew. Let your yarn dry fully before putting it away.
How to Dry Yarn Safely
Drying yarn properly is just as important as washing it correctly. Always opt for air drying over machine drying wherever possible.
Lay your yarn flat on a clean surface away from direct sunlight — UV light can fade colors, especially in hand-dyed yarns. If you're drying multiple skeins, space them out so air can circulate freely around each one. Depending on the thickness of the yarn and the humidity in your space, drying can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
Final Thoughts
Washing yarn in the washing machine doesn't have to be stressful. With the right preparation — knowing your fiber, using a mesh bag, choosing cold water and a gentle cycle — you can keep your stash fresh and clean without sacrificing a single skein.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution. A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to protecting the yarn you love.
